Excavator-Loaders (Bekoloder)

Backhoe loaders are compact, multi-purpose construction machines equipped with a loader bucket on the front and a digging arm (backhoe) on the rear. In international literature these machines are known as backhoe loader, while in Türkiye they are commonly referred to as bekoloder.

Historical Development

Direct historical development information is not provided in the sources, but backhoe loaders became widespread from the mid-20th century onward in response to growing demand for multi-purpose construction equipment, paralleling advances in machinery technology. Thanks to their modern designs, they quickly became one of the essential pieces of equipment in the construction and infrastructure sectors as the first machines to combine both loading and digging functions in a single unit.

Technical Structure

Backhoe loaders consist of the following main technical components:

• Loader section (front bucket)
• Digging section (rear backhoe)
• Chassis and travel mechanism
• Engine and hydraulic system
• Cab and control systems

Engine power ratings start at a minimum of 20 kW (27 HP), and the machine operates with a self-propelled mobility system.

Bekoloder (Generated by Artificial Intelligence)

Machine Functions

Loading Function

• The front loader bucket is used for loading, transporting and grading soil or debris. Different operations can be performed depending on the type of bucket used:
• • General purpose bucket
  • Multi-purpose bucket
  • Side-dump bucket
  • Simple loading and unloading using a forklift attachment

Digging Function

• The rear digging equipment is used for trenching, foundation excavation and various digging operations.

Breaking Function

• A hydraulic breaker can be attached to the machine to perform crushing operations on hard rock and concrete.

Efficient Usage Methods:

• Operation should be conducted within the machine’s rated capacity.
• A ground survey must be carried out before work begins.
• Digging motions should be controlled, and material should be loaded using a ramp-down technique.
• Digging teeth should be used when operating on hard ground.
• The truck and machine positions must be properly aligned during loading operations.

Application Areas

Backhoe loaders are widely used across a variety of sectors:

• Infrastructure and sewerage projects
• Road construction and maintenance
• Site earthworks
• Trench and foundation excavation
• Material handling and loading
• Landscape and environmental landscaping
• Urban services and municipal works

Due to their compact size and multi-functional design, these machines are also widely preferred in confined spaces and urban applications.

Operator Training

In Türkiye, specialized training is mandatory for operating backhoe loaders under the Regulation on Construction Machinery Driver Training Courses and the Backhoe Loader (Bekoloder) Operator Training Program, both approved by the Ministry of National Education.

Training Content

Theoretical Training:

Practical Training:

Evaluation:

• At the end of the training, participants are subjected to a practical examination.
• The examination includes both a theoretical knowledge assessment and practical operations involving digging, loading and parking.
• Successful participants earn the Construction Machinery Operating License (Operator Certificate).

Backhoe loaders (bekoloder) are indispensable construction machines in modern infrastructure projects due to their versatile functionality, compact structure and high maneuverability. Thanks to the established training and certification systems in Türkiye, the safe and efficient use of these machines has been standardized and professional operators are systematically trained.